Leilani is completing her 24th year with Green Dot Public Schools and currently serves as the Chief Academic Officer and a member of the organization's leadership team. Prior to that, she served in a variety of roles, such as Chief Programs Officer, Vice President of Curriculum and Programs and Area Superintendent. Leilani began her career with Green Dot as a founding teacher at one of Green Dot's highest performing high schools, Ánimo Inglewood. She served the Inglewood community for 11 years as a teacher, assistant principal, and principal before taking on the role of Area Superintendent in 2013.

Leilani earned her Masters of Education from Loyola Marymount University in 2005 and her bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of California, Los Angeles in 2002. She has been featured in a variety of online publications, including EdSource and The Desert Sun.